overhead tracks?

I'm trying to add overhead minecart tracks to my map, but whenever i add a prop_dynamic and set the world model to the cart, the bottom of the tracks are invisible. should i just make brush-based tracks?

If I understand correctly, you have tried putting train track models in the air, so that players can see the bottom of them? Well, quite simply, they don't have a bottom (probably just to cut down on the file size, since you aren't supposed to see the bottom).

Train tracks aren't supposed to be suspended in the air. Even if you could see their bottoms, it would look ridiculous. Have you ever seen a train run over train tracks that float in midair? You have to put them on something, like a bridge.

BreadHeadFred is correct, most props that are not supposed to be seen from a certain side will not be finished to cut down file size.

If you are making a cart go overhead you need to build a solid bridge, then lay the tracks over it. Take a look at point A on Goldrush, the cart goes over a bridge just before the point. You can utilize this as reference on building then laying tracks.

Actually, to be picky, the cart never goes over a bridge on Gold Rush A. It does, however, do that on point B, not to mention there IS an unrelated train track on a bridge next to the BLU spawn in A. Try looking at the last I mentioned (maybe that's what you were talking about, Bobby?), that's probably the best example.

Actually, to be picky, the cart never goes over a bridge on Gold Rush A. It does, however, do that on point B, not to mention there IS an unrelated train track on a bridge next to the BLU spawn in A. Try looking at the last I mentioned (maybe that's what you were talking about, Bobby?), that's probably the best example.

Click to expand...

Yes, I had it jumbled in my head. There are many bridges throughout the levels that have tracks going over them. Just after the first point at Dustbowl A is another example, though no cart there.

In my earlier (unfinished and unreleased) map, I had the same problem with the tracks in one small area, where the ground had collapsed and they were held up by temporary supports. I just manually made small prop_detail brushes, then vertex edited them off the grid to match up as closely as possible with the sleepers. It's not a very nice solution, but it does work.

Just a warning about the overhead track models... most of them don't have collision meshes. They're primarily used in inaccessible areas for color. If you use them you'll have to use player clips or clip volumes to keep the players from falling through.